A glorious country house built 200 years ago of stone from the Purbeck Hills, situated within its own beautiful, formal gardens

Towns & Villages

While hotel receptions usually house a rack of leaflets describing places to visit, ours is different, our reception is the home of a unique tourist information guide: The Grange Guide to Wessex.

Oborne

A short walk around the village of Oborne is a rewarding experience. You might like to begin by looking at the file in The Grange Guide To Wessex, ‘The Grange and the Local Area'. The beautiful houses built from local stone include an ancient school house and a splendid Victorian rectory. The houses are centred around the church of St. Cuthberts, built in 1862. Although much older, the original church fell into disrepair and was demolished; the chancel survives and can be found on the A30 near the turning into Oborne. The stream which meanders through the village is the River Yeo which rises at Poyntington; after passing through Yeovil, the Yeo eventually joins the River Parret at Langport.

Sherborne (1.5 miles/2.5 km)

The town is one-and-a-half miles to the west of Oborne. The origins of the town can be traced back to Roman times. Perhaps the most attractive town in Dorset and even in England, Sherborne is a delightfully sleepy place, famous for its old-world charm. You will find many individual and interesting shops along Cheap Street. We will supply a suggested walking route around Sherborne together with a fact sheet about the various places you will see.

Shaftesbury (15 miles/24.0 km)

Steeped in history and tradition, Shaftesbury offers visitors breathtaking views. Gold Hill, with its steep cobbles and picturesque cottages, made famous by the Hovis bread advertisement, is the epitome of rural charm from a bygone age.

Dorchester (22 miles/35.5 km)

The County Town of Dorchester is full of history; Judge Jeffries (The Hanging Judge) held court here in 1685 and the largest Iron Age hill fort in England, Maiden Castle, lies two miles south of the town. Hardy's Cottage where Thomas Hardy was born is at Bockhampton, near Dorchester. Hardy was also schooled and worked in Dorchester and, while living at his Victorain house, Max Gate, wrote, among others, Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

Glastonbury (24 miles/38.5 km)

The attractions here include Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor and Glastonbury Lake Village. The many myths and legends associated with the town concern Joseph of Arimathea, the Holy Grail and also King Arthur.

Salisbury (40 miles/64.5 km)

With its magnificent 13th century cathedral, Salisbury has plenty of ancient buildings - some dating back to the 13th century. There is also a wide range of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms. A choice of arts and culture venues complement individual shops and regular street markets.

Bath (48 miles/77.5 km)

Bath is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Set in rolling Somerset countryside, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.